Water tankers in Delhi.

"In 2018, India sought to achieve 20% ethanol blending in petrol by 2030 but reached the goal five years early." "According to the government, ethanol blended petrol has so far helped the country save $1.7 trillion in foreign exchange," and "India slashed carbon emissions by 87 million tonnes, equivalent to planting 350 million trees." India produces ethanol from rice, maize and sugarcane and "it takes 9,854 liters of water to produce 1 liter of ethanol from rice (excluding water used during processing)." From maize it takes 3,714 liters and from sugarcane 3,837 liters, wrote Sayantan Bera. In August 2025, "With the launch of the India Semiconductor Mission and an outlay of Rs 760 billion, several fabrication and design facilities have been established," as well as, "Rs 100 billion allocated under IndiaAI mission to strengthen AI capabilities." pib.gov.in. Semiconductor manufacturing consumes vast volumes of water. "In 2023 alone, Semiconductor giant TSMC reported consumption of a staggering 101 million cubic meters of water." idtechex.com. In addition, "The global AI demand may even require 4.2-6.6 billion cubic meters of water withdrawal in 2027," and "Simultaneously, the total scope-1 and scope-2 water consumption of global AI could exceed 0.38-0.62 billion cubic meters, i.e. roughly evaporating the annual withdrawal of half of Denmark or 2.5-3.5 Liberia." oecd.ai. Ethanol, semiconductors, AI, everything needs water, so what? India has the world's largest population at 1.477 billion and rising. worldometers. Producing ethanol to save on crude oil is not only guzzling water but "Food grains have overtaken sugarcane as ethanol feedstock, risking food security. Farmers are shifting to maize and away from pulses, oilseeds and other cereals." BT. "India, once the world's second-largest sugar exporter, is expected to have little surplus from export for at least three seasons as El Nino weather conditions threaten cane production and rising ethanol demand squeezes supply." "India exported 6.8 million metric tons annually on average in the five seasons through 2022-23," but "This year after exporting around 800,000 tons, India banned shipments until 30 September." "India was expected to produce 30.95 million tons of sugar this season but output is now forecast at 27.9 million tons, below annual consumption of about 28.5 million tons." Reuters. "After nearly two weeks of stagnation, India's southwest monsoon is showing signs of life." But, According to the latest India Meteorological Department (IMD) data, the country has received just 53.1 mm rainfall between 4 June and 22 June, against a normal of 97.6 mm, leaving India with a rainfall deficit of 46%. Large parts of central, northern and peninsular India continue to remain in the deficient or large-deficient rainfall category." India Today. The result is that "live water storage in the country's 166 major reservoirs has dipped to 27.5% of their total storage capacity." However, this is still better than the average storage over the last 10 years. TOI. If that was meant to reassure us, it is actually terrifying. It means we are inches away from dying of thirst. "The Delhi Jal Board (DJB) supplies potable water in water deficit areas through around 800 department and hired water tankers from 25 emergency centers in different zones in Delhi." DJB. Saving money on petroleum to spend on importing pulses and cooking oil. Losing money on sugar exports. Wasting water on ethanol and chips when there is no drinking water. never mind, happy news. "Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to undertake a three-nation Indo-Pacific tour covering Indonesia, Australia and New Zealand from July 6 to 11." TOI. Dear Leader working so hard for us. Brings tears to our eyes. That's precious water. Any sacrifice for Dear Leader.